When Donnie “Ahas” Nietes goes up the ring today to face Mexican Armando Vasquez, he will not just start his journey towards a junior lightflyweight title. He will also establish his “marketability” as a boxing champion among the Bacoleños and the rest of the world.
For Bacolod City to be able to host future international fights, featuring Filipinos and their foreign foes, will depend on the result of this afternoon’s boxing event bannered by Nietes at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.
Michael Aldeguer, president and CEO of the renowned Cebu City-based ALA Gym said they believe in Nietes’ skills as a champion but everything will depend on today’s fight at the USLS against Vasquez.
He said ALA Promotions will be bringing the Pinoy Pride boxing series all over the country and should Nietes do well against Vasquez, there is a possibility of staging his first attempt for the world junior lightflyweight title in July in Bacolod.
Rallying the support of the Negrenses for today’s battle against yet another Mexican, Nietes has assured his “kasimanwas” of a very good fight that will see him as victor in the end.
Weighing 109 pounds yesterday during the weigh-in at the SM City Mall, Nietes (27W-1L-3D, 15 KO’s) is primed to beat Vasquez (18W-5L, 4 KO’s), who weighed 107.5 pounds.
During Thursday’s press conference at the Palmas Del Mar Resort in Bacolod City, the reigning WBO minimumweight titlist said he will stop Vasquez in seven to eight rounds.
Aside from the main event, Pinoy Pride 5: Battle of Champions will also feature foreign fighters African Deo Njiku, James Mokoginta of Indonesia and Thailand’s Ngaotawang Sithsaithong.
Njiku is scheduled to challenge WBO Asia Pacific Junior Welterweight champion Jason Pagara, while Mokoginta will clash against WBO Oriental champion Lorenzo Villanueva. Sithsaithong will slug it out against Pan Asia Boxing Association Bantamweight crown against champion Roli Gasca.
Tickets for this fight are available at the SM City Bacolod Events Center, ABS-CBN, Sky-Cable, Bascon Hotel, USLS, Bob’s Café (Lacson, Robinsons, Gaisano City and North Drive) and Panaad Park and Stadium.*NAB
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